Hobart seniors defensive tackle
Mike Faracca and linebacker
Ryan Robinson will represent the Statesmen on the gridiron one final time when they step on the turf of Salem (Va.) Stadium in the inaugural Division III Football Senior Classic on Dec. 5.
The pair helped Hobart’s defense lead the Liberty League in scoring defense (15.9 ppg) and total defense (303.1 yards/gm). The Statesmen also allowed the fewest first downs (141) in the conference and were the toughest team in the conference to convert against on fourth down (21.1%).
Senior offensive tackles
Angelo Catalano and
Brian Monaco were also invited to participate in the game, but declined. Catalano was injured in the season finale at Rochester, while Monaco has academic commitments.
A first team All-Liberty League selection, Faracca recorded at least one tackle in every game this season, including a season-high seven stops at WPI. He also had an interception against the Engineers. On special teams, he made his presence felt with two blocked PATs at Dickinson.
In 41 career games, Faracca logged 122 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and 2.5 sacks.
A three-time All-Liberty League pick, Robinson led the team in solo tackles (34) and tackles for a loss (10.0). He notched at least one tackle in every game, including a season-high 13 stops at Union. A team captain this season, he was named Liberty League Co-Defensive Performer of the Week following a 10-tackle performance in a shutout of RPI.
In 37 career games, Robinson posted 166 tackles, 30.5 tackles for a loss, 11 pass break ups, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions.
Hobart finished the season riding a four-game winning streak. The Statesmen were 6-3 overall, marking the program’s 13 consecutive winning season. Hobart was 5-2 in the conference, finishing in third place.
During their four seasons on campus, Faracca, Robinson and the rest of the Class of 2010 led the Statesmen to a 31-10 record (.756) that included three Liberty League Championships and three NCAA Playoff appearances.